Last visit was: 21 Apr 2026, 12:34 It is currently 21 Apr 2026, 12:34
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
gmatt1476
Joined: 04 Sep 2017
Last visit: 04 Feb 2026
Posts: 494
Own Kudos:
27,289
 [15]
Given Kudos: 72
Posts: 494
Kudos: 27,289
 [15]
5
Kudos
Add Kudos
10
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Most Helpful Reply
User avatar
dcummins
Joined: 14 Feb 2017
Last visit: 16 Mar 2026
Posts: 1,021
Own Kudos:
2,377
 [8]
Given Kudos: 368
Location: Australia
Concentration: Technology, Strategy
GMAT 1: 560 Q41 V26
GMAT 2: 550 Q43 V23
GMAT 3: 650 Q47 V33
GMAT 4: 650 Q44 V36
GMAT 5: 600 Q38 V35
GMAT 6: 710 Q47 V41
WE:Management Consulting (Consulting)
Products:
8
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
patto
Joined: 22 Jun 2017
Last visit: 09 Jul 2021
Posts: 236
Own Kudos:
863
 [5]
Given Kudos: 149
Location: Argentina
GMAT 1: 630 Q43 V34
GMAT 2: 710 Q50 V36 (Online)
Products:
GMAT 2: 710 Q50 V36 (Online)
Posts: 236
Kudos: 863
 [5]
5
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
General Discussion
User avatar
Sajjad1994
User avatar
GRE Forum Moderator
Joined: 02 Nov 2016
Last visit: 21 Apr 2026
Posts: 16,842
Own Kudos:
51,879
 [2]
Given Kudos: 6,333
GPA: 3.62
Products:
Posts: 16,842
Kudos: 51,879
 [2]
2
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Explanation

6. The passage suggests which one of the following about material and cultural wealth?

Explanation

Back to Para 4 for this one: In lines 38-42, the author argues that humans take biological wealth for granted because they don’t understand its value. In contrast, he suggests, because humans understand the value of material and cultural wealth, these things aren’t taken for granted.

(B), (E) The distinction in Para 4 is between material / cultural wealth, on the one hand, and biological wealth, on the other. The connections offered in these two choices distort and expand upon this distinction, and are in no way suggested by the author.

(C) The author implies just the opposite—that preserving our biological wealth will enhance our material wealth and preserve our cultural heritage.

(D) serves up an unsupported comparison that isn’t implied in the passage. The author doesn’t rank the importance of material and cultural wealth as opposed to biological wealth (he seems to think that all are important to humanity)—he merely contrasts our understanding and appreciation of each.

• When a question focuses on one very specific idea (as this one does), re-read the idea to make sure that you’re absolutely clear about it. This way you won’t fall for choices that use the passage’s language but distort its content.

Answer: A
User avatar
GMATNinja
User avatar
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
Joined: 13 Aug 2009
Last visit: 21 Apr 2026
Posts: 7,391
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 2,129
Status: GMAT/GRE/LSAT tutors
Location: United States (CO)
GMAT 1: 780 Q51 V46
GMAT 2: 800 Q51 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V170
GRE 2: Q170 V170
Products:
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 2: 800 Q51 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V170
GRE 2: Q170 V170
Posts: 7,391
Kudos: 70,793
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
SajjadAhmad
Explanation

6. The passage suggests which one of the following about material and cultural wealth?

Explanation

Back to Para 4 for this one: In lines 38-42, the author argues that humans take biological wealth for granted because they don’t understand its value. In contrast, he suggests, because humans understand the value of material and cultural wealth, these things aren’t taken for granted.

(B), (E) The distinction in Para 4 is between material / cultural wealth, on the one hand, and biological wealth, on the other. The connections offered in these two choices distort and expand upon this distinction, and are in no way suggested by the author.

(C) The author implies just the opposite—that preserving our biological wealth will enhance our material wealth and preserve our cultural heritage.

(D) serves up an unsupported comparison that isn’t implied in the passage. The author doesn’t rank the importance of material and cultural wealth as opposed to biological wealth (he seems to think that all are important to humanity)—he merely contrasts our understanding and appreciation of each.

• When a question focuses on one very specific idea (as this one does), re-read the idea to make sure that you’re absolutely clear about it. This way you won’t fall for choices that use the passage’s language but distort its content.

Answer: A


Excellent work as always, SajjadAhmad!

Yep, this one relates to the following portion: "the value of Earth’s biota (the fauna and flora collectively) remains largely unstudied and unappreciated; unlike material and cultural wealth, which we understand because they are the substance of our everyday lives, biological wealth is usually taken for granted."

UNLIKE material and cultural wealth, biological wealth is usually taken for granted. From this, we can infer than material and cultural wealth are generally NOT taken for granted.

We don't take material and cultural wealth for granted because they are the substance of our everyday lives. We appreciate their value because we experience that value in our everyday lives. In other words, because we experience them in our everyday lives, we can readily assess their value, as stated in choice (A).
avatar
Bhavyam
Joined: 23 Aug 2016
Last visit: 29 Oct 2021
Posts: 15
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 37
Posts: 15
Kudos: 7
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Yes, I had marked answer for 3rd question as E using the logic I posted in the previous comment. Why is that logic incorrect?
User avatar
Sajjad1994
User avatar
GRE Forum Moderator
Joined: 02 Nov 2016
Last visit: 21 Apr 2026
Posts: 16,842
Own Kudos:
51,879
 [3]
Given Kudos: 6,333
GPA: 3.62
Products:
Posts: 16,842
Kudos: 51,879
 [3]
3
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Alright !

In lines 21-23, the author mentions that between 77 and 96 percent of all marine animal species became extinct during the Permian extinction episode. In lines 20-21, the author says that the Cretaceous extinction episode was “minor” in comparison to the Permian. Thus, we can conclude that less than 77 percent of marine animal species became extinct during the “Cretaceous crisis.”

(E) is wrong because this extinction period was marked by the disappearance of the dinosaurs; this is only what makes it the “most famous” extinction episode. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the dinosaurs “comprised the great majority of species that perished during the crisis.” For all we know, many more non-dinosaur species may have perished during this crisis.

• Correct answers will generally be worded somewhat differently than the passage itself.

hope it helps

Bhavyam
Yes, I had marked answer for 3rd question as E using the logic I posted in the previous comment. Why is that logic incorrect?
User avatar
auradediligodo
Joined: 31 Jan 2019
Last visit: 18 Nov 2021
Posts: 358
Own Kudos:
861
 [3]
Given Kudos: 67
Location: Switzerland
Concentration: General Management
GPA: 3.9
3
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi everyone,
Took 17 minutes and got 6/7 correct. Took 5 minutes to read, write down paragraph summaries and main point.

P1: biodiversity crisis
P2:History of global diversity and extinctions
P3:Human activity effect on biodiversity
P4:Loss biodiversity effect on biota

MP: present biodiversity crisis and the role of human activity in it

1. Which one of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

Pre-thinking:
refer to our main point formulation for this question

(A) The reduction in biodiversity is an irreversible process that represents a setback both for science and for society as a whole.
Nowhere it is said that the reduction is irreversible. Hence incorrect

(B) The material and cultural wealth of a nation are insignificant when compared with the country’s biological wealth.
This is related only to the last paragraph of the passage. Hence partial scope and incorrect

(C) The enormous diversity of life on Earth could not have come about without periodic extinctions that have conferred preeminence on one species at the expense of another.
This is related only to the second paragraph. Plus diversity size is not only caused by periodic extinctions. Hence incorrect

(D) The human species is in the process of initiating a massive extinction episode that may make past episodes look minor by comparison.
Never mentioned. Hence incorrect

(E) The current decline in species diversity is human-induced tragedy of incalculable proportions that has potentially grave consequences for the human species.
This is in line with what the passage as a whole communicates. Hence correct


2. Which one of the following situations is most analogous to the history of global diversity summarized in Highlighted part of the passage?

Pre-thinking:
refer to the highlighted portion. It talks about an initial rise->fast rise->stop (stagnation)->slow constant rise.
Any option suggesting a similar trend will be our answer


(A) The number of fish in a lake declines abruptly as a result of water pollution, then makes a slow comeback after cleanup efforts and the passage of ordinances against dumping.
no decline discussed. Hence incorrect

(B) The concentration of chlorine in the water supply of large city fluctuates widely before stabilizing at a constant and safe level.
no fluctuation. Hence incorrect

(C) An old-fashioned article of clothing goes in and out of style periodically as a result of features in fashion magazines and the popularity of certain period films.
again no fluctuation. Hence incorrect

(D) After valuable mineral deposits are discovered, the population of a geographic region booms then levels off and begins to decrease at a slow and steady pace.
inconsistent for the last phase. There is a constant rise not a constant decrease. Hence incorrect

(E) The variety of styles stocked by a shoe store increases rapidly after the store opens, holds constant for many months, and then gradually creeps upward.
In line with our Prethinking. Hence correct


3. The author suggests which one of the following about the Cretaceous crisis?

Pre-thinking:
Refer to P2 and especially to the non-underlined portion of the paragraph.
attributes:
-most recent
-most famous
-ended dinosaurs age
-minor compared to PE


(A) It was the second most devastating extinction episode in history.
Cannot be inferred. It was one of the most recent and famous but no information whether it was the 2nd most important. Hence incorrect

(B) It was the most devastating extinction episode up until that time.
no. it was a minor one compared to one of the previous (PE). Hence incorrect

(C) It was less devastating to species diversity than is the current biodiversity crisis.
Cannot be inferred by the given information. Hence incorrect

(D) The rate of extinction among marine animal species as a result of the crisis did not approach 77 percent.
We are given that Ccrisis was minor compared to PE where that rate was approached. This is a reasonable inference to make given the information although the scenario in which Ccrisis approached that rate but was still minor compared to PE is a possibility. Hence correct

(E) The dinosaurs comprised the great majority of species that perished during the crisis.
The information given says that Ccrisis is famous for ending the dinosaurs age but it does not say that other species could have been eliminated more significantly. Hence incorrect.


4. The author mentions the Nile perch in order to provide an example of

Pre-thinking:
Refer to P3 and especially to: "Hundreds of fish species endemic to Lake Victoria are now threatened with extinction following the careless introduction of one species of fish, the Nile perch."

(A) a species that has become extinct through human activity
The nile perch was the reason for other species to become extinct. Hence incrrect

(B) the typical lack of foresight that has led to biogeographic disaster
As the underlined portion in our pre-thinking says the introduction of nile perch was careless. So it makes sense to say that there was a lack of foresight. Hence correct

(C) a marine animal species that survived the Permian extinctions
out of context and incorrect.

(D) a species that is a potential source of material wealth
Out of context here. Hence incorrect

(E) the kind of action that is necessary to reverse the decline in species diversity
I'd say opposite. Carefulness on the contrary would have helped to preserve diversity in this case. Hence incorrect


5. All of the following are explicitly mentioned in the passage as contributing to the extinction of species EXCEPT

Pre-thinking:
Many factors contributing to extinction are mentioned in P1 and P3 so I would work on them for answering this question.

(A) hunting
Mentioned in P3. Hence incorrect

(B) pollution
Although our common knowledge would mark this answer as correct this factor is never mentioned in the passage. Hence correct

(C) deforestation
Mentioned in P3. Hence incorrect

(D) the growth of human populations
Mentioned in P1. Hence incorrect

(E) human-engineered changes in the environment
Mentioned in P1. Hence incorrect



6. The passage suggests which one of the following about material and cultural wealth?

Pre-thinking:
M&CW are discussed in the last paragraph. Refer to these line especially : "unlike material and cultural wealth, which we understand because they are the substance of our everyday lives, biological wealth is usually taken for granted."
So:
- we understand M&CW because we see them every day
- the previous bullet point is in contrast with biological wealth, which is taken for granted
So an inference that we can make is that we would understand better biological wealth if we saw it every day and that we don't take M&CW for granted since we see them everyday


(A) Because we can readily assess the value of material and cultural wealth, we tend not to take them for granted.
In line with prethinking. Hence correct

(B) Just as the biota is a source of potential material wealth, it is an untapped source of cultural wealth as well.
Cannot be inferred by the information in the passage. Hence incorrect

(C) Some degree of material and cultural wealth may have to be sacrificed if we are to protect our biological heritage.
Cannot be inferred by the given information. Hence incorrect

(D) Material and cultural wealth are of less value than biological wealth because they have evolved over a shorter period of time.
Cannot be inferred by the given information. Hence incorrect

(E) Material wealth and biological wealth are interdependent in a way that material wealth and cultural wealth are not.
Cannot be inferred by the information given. Hence incorrect


7. The author would be most likely to agree with which one of the following statements about the consequences of the biodiversity crisis?

Pre-thinking:
Consequences are discussed in P1: "The ultimate consequences of this biological collision are beyond calculation, but they are certain to be harmful. That, in essence, is the biodiversity crisis."

(A) The loss of species diversity will have as immediate an impact on the material of nations as on their biological wealth.
Inconsistent because of immediate. Hence incorrect

(B) The crisis will likely end the hegemony of the human race and bring about the ascendancy of another species.
Never mentioned and quite funny statement. Hence incorrect

(C) The effects of the loss of species diversity will be dire, but we cannot yet tell how dire.
in line with the portion highlighted in the pre-thinking. Hence correct

(D) It is more fruitful to discuss the consequences of the crisis in terms of the potential loss to humanity than in strictly biological loss to humanity than in strictly biological terms.
Never mentioned. Hence incorrect

(E) The consequences of the crisis can be minimized, but the pace of extinctions can not be reversed.
Never mentioned. Hence incorrect
User avatar
AnushkaPatel961
User avatar
School Moderator - Rotman Masters
Joined: 13 Mar 2020
Last visit: 08 Dec 2020
Posts: 27
Own Kudos:
18
 [2]
Given Kudos: 142
Posts: 27
Kudos: 18
 [2]
2
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
P1: Intro
Author; Bio crisis harmful

P2: Bio div took long time; Diff crisis

P3: Human act decrease bio div; Example

P4: bio decrease=Envi change
Author: Bio Imp

1. Which one of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

(A) The reduction in biodiversity is an irreversible process that represents a setback both for science and for society as a whole.-not given
(B) The material and cultural wealth of a nation are insignificant when compared with the country’s biological wealth.-only last para
(C) The enormous diversity of life on Earth could not have come about without periodic extinctions that have conferred preeminence on one species at the expense of another.-exaggerated inference of a para
(D) The human species is in the process of initiating a massive extinction episode that may make past episodes look minor by comparison.-talked about harmful not extinction.
(E) The current decline in species diversity is human-induced tragedy of incalculable proportions that has potentially grave consequences for the human species.-correct

2. Which one of the following situations is most analogous to the history of global diversity summarized in Highlighted part of the passage?

(A) The number of fish in a lake declines abruptly as a result of water pollution, then makes a slow comeback after cleanup efforts and the passage of ordinances against dumping.
(B) The concentration of chlorine in the water supply of large city fluctuates widely before stabilizing at a constant and safe level.
(C) An old-fashioned article of clothing goes in and out of style periodically as a result of features in fashion magazines and the popularity of certain period films.
(D) After valuable mineral deposits are discovered, the population of a geographic region booms then levels off and begins to decrease at a slow and steady pace.
(E) The variety of styles stocked by a shoe store increases rapidly after the store opens, holds constant for many months, and then gradually creeps upward.-correct

History summary: Sharp inc; stagnation; slow inc.

3. The author suggests which one of the following about the Cretaceous crisis?

(A) It was the second most devastating extinction episode in history.- no rank given
(B) It was the most devastating extinction episode up until that time.- not given
(C) It was less devastating to species diversity than is the current biodiversity crisis.-irrelevant comparison
(D) The rate of extinction among marine animal species as a result of the crisis did not approach 77 percent.-correct
(E) The dinosaurs comprised the great majority of species that perished during the crisis.-cannot be infered

4. The author mentions the Nile perch in order to provide an example of

(A) a species that has become extinct through human activity
(B) the typical lack of foresight that has led to biogeographic disaster-the line in italics
(C) a marine animal species that survived the Permian extinctions
(D) a species that is a potential source of material wealth
(E) the kind of action that is necessary to reverse the decline in species diversity

Here the knowledge of SC can help you identify what Nile Perch is
Hundreds of fish species endemic to Lake Victoria are now threatened with extinction following the careless introduction of one species of fish, the Nile perch. The list of such biogeographic disasters is extensive.
The underlined part is referring to Nile Perch. From the Bold and underlined part it can be infered that the Nile Perch has entered in the threat of extinction list.

All of the following are explicitly mentioned in the passage as contributing to the extinction of species EXCEPT

(A) hunting
(B) pollution
(C) deforestation
(D) the growth of human populations
(E) human-engineered changes in the environment

I was confused between B and D. Chose B as it was nowhere mentioned in the passage.

6. The passage suggests which one of the following about material and cultural wealth?

(A) Because we can readily assess the value of material and cultural wealth, we tend not to take them for granted.- inferred from unlike material and cultural wealth, which we understand because they are the substance of our everyday lives, biological wealth is usually taken for granted.
(B) Just as the biota is a source of potential material wealth, it is an untapped source of cultural wealth as well.
(C) Some degree of material and cultural wealth may have to be sacrificed if we are to protect our biological heritage.
(D) Material and cultural wealth are of less value than biological wealth because they have evolved over a shorter period of time.
(E) Material wealth and biological wealth are interdependent in a way that material wealth and cultural wealth are not.

7. The author would be most likely to agree with which one of the following statements about the consequences of the biodiversity crisis?

(A) The loss of species diversity will have as immediate an impact on the material of nations as on their biological wealth.
(B) The crisis will likely end the hegemony of the human race and bring about the ascendancy of another species.
(C) The effects of the loss of species diversity will be dire, but we cannot yet tell how dire. - P1 The ultimate consequences of this biological collision are beyond calculation, but they are certain to be harmful. That, in essence, is the biodiversity crisis.
(D) It is more fruitful to discuss the consequences of the crisis in terms of the potential loss to humanity than in strictly biological loss to humanity than in strictly biological terms.
(E) The consequences of the crisis can be minimized, but the pace of extinctions can not be reversed.

Hit Kudos if you found it helpful
User avatar
ishita27
Joined: 31 Jul 2020
Last visit: 03 Jul 2021
Posts: 64
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 143
Location: India
GMAT 1: 660 Q49 V31
GPA: 3.87
GMAT 1: 660 Q49 V31
Posts: 64
Kudos: 141
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi, In question 1. Why can't D be correct? Or am I understanding it differently? Please explain GMATNinja SajjadAhmad

Reference for D is found in the first para:
"Today, as human populations expand and alter the natural environment, they are reducing biological diversity to its lowest level since the end of the Mesozoic era, 65 million years ago. "
User avatar
Sajjad1994
User avatar
GRE Forum Moderator
Joined: 02 Nov 2016
Last visit: 21 Apr 2026
Posts: 16,842
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 6,333
GPA: 3.62
Products:
Posts: 16,842
Kudos: 51,879
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
ishita27
Hi, In question 1. Why can't D be correct? Or am I understanding it differently? Please explain GMATNinja SajjadAhmad

Reference for D is found in the first para:
"Today, as human populations expand and alter the natural environment, they are reducing biological diversity to its lowest level since the end of the Mesozoic era, 65 million years ago. "

Why D is wrong

(D) is too extreme. While the author suggests that today’s biodiversity crisis is a potential disaster, he doesn’t imply that it could be worse than past episodes of mass extinction.

Thank you
User avatar
VerbalBot
User avatar
Non-Human User
Joined: 01 Oct 2013
Last visit: 04 Jan 2021
Posts: 19,404
Own Kudos:
Posts: 19,404
Kudos: 1,009
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Automated notice from GMAT Club VerbalBot:

A member just gave Kudos to this thread, showing it’s still useful. I’ve bumped it to the top so more people can benefit. Feel free to add your own questions or solutions.

This post was generated automatically.
Moderators:
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
7391 posts
495 posts
358 posts